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For many years, while flying almost every week as the “Delta Points” blogger, I ended up on a Delta CRJ-200 again. Back when CVG or Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport was a mega hub for their regional partner, I almost always connected there from South Bend. Before Delta ended flying what many called “Satan’s chariot,” I still endured long flights from Atlanta or Minneapolis to my hometown.
Nowadays, the smallest regional jet Delta employs is the CRJ700. While nothing like a mainline jet experience, it is light years better than the horrid, cramped, and nasty CRJ-200.
United has a plan to “improve” the old CRJ-200’s and make them a “premium” experience. No really, just look at what they say is on the way:
The CRJ450 – a reimagined and redesigned version of the CRJ200 will be operated by SkyWest and will connect smaller cities to the airline’s Denver and Chicago hubs starting this fall. This will be one of United’s most premium regional jets, boasting a spacious United First cabin with a large luggage closet instead of overhead bins, creating an open, luxurious environment unlike any other commercial regional aircraft. – United.com – BOLD MINE
…shudder…
You are still talking about ultra limited head space (i.e., tall people walk bent over), and if you are stuck back in coach, it is a return to the evil tiny seats of years gone by. Now I get why United is doing this – it is all about money. Money is one thing Delta also loves above all else, and I can almost see in my mind’s eye VIPs at Delta salivating over resurrecting their old CRJ-200s and doing the same thing. My advice to them:
DON’T DO IT!
Why do I say it is all about money? These tiny jets, while not all that fuel-efficient compared to modern regional jets, do have some of the lowest pay rates for pilots in the industry. Also, due to having so few seats, they are only mandated to have one flight attendant servicing the jet, also saving a ton of money for the airline.
But the last CRJ-200 was produced 20 years ago so, even for Delta, who tends to fly a lot of really old jets, these are near the end of their lifespan. Plus, with so many take-offs and landings, the idea of seeing these with a Delta logo in the air again is not something that would inspire confidence and reliability.
I really hope it is only United that latches onto this hair-brained idea and Delta sticks with more and more A220s, that is, not only a mainline jet, but a decent regional experience. But you tell me. Would you like Delta to bring back the CRJ-200s as a CRJ-450? – René
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This is a way for UA to serve small markets from hubs while still offering domestic first class; so flers who upgrade can continue the experience for the entire journey.
In the past, you may have booked first between, say, Flint (FNT) and SFO but gotten economy on the CRJ from FNT-ORD, then first on the ORD-SFO segment. This eliminates that issue. It’s apparently worked so well with the CRJ-550 refits that they’re trying it here. Makes sense, there are small market routes where only the CRJ-200 is viable. It’s not that bad really for a one hour hop. Not great, but better than a deathtrap ATR.
@stogieguy7 – Oh Delta dumped the ATRs long ago and especially for winter climates. But yes I flew them a ton too and gosh they were bad!
Other than the bathroom (lavatory) being in back of the plane and the lack of in-seat power ports, I actually enjoy Delta’s 550, which is a 700 with fewer seats, more closets for bags and better legroom.
@FNT – The 450 is NOT based on the 700. It is a refurbished 200!
Most people don’t realize CR2 isn’t just a shorter CR7.
How would you rank?
CRJ200
Saab 340
EMB120
ERJ145
Fine. I’ll say it. Perhaps it’s the aviation romantic in me but I have a soft spot for the 340s.